Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Torso Killer Confesses to 1965 Murder, Reveals More Victims

1/7/2026

30 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Richard Cottingham, known as the "Torso Killer," confessed to the 1965 murder of 18-year-old Alys Eberhardt in New Jersey after the case reopened in 2021.
Cottingham has been imprisoned since 1980.
Fair Lawn Police Chief Joseph Dawicki praised investigators.
Cottingham has admitted to multiple murders, including two New Jersey girls in 1974 and five Nassau County cold cases.

1 of 1

Story summary

Richard Cottingham, known as the "Torso Killer," confessed to the 1965 murder of 18-year-old Alys Eberhardt in New Jersey after the case reopened in 2021.
Cottingham has been imprisoned since 1980.
Fair Lawn Police Chief Joseph Dawicki praised investigators.
Cottingham has admitted to multiple murders, including two New Jersey girls in 1974 and five Nassau County cold cases.